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Global Health Aid Plummets to Lowest Level in 15 Years

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UPDATE: Countries are making drastic cuts to global health aid, plunging funding to its lowest level in 15 years. The latest analysis from the US-based Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) reveals that total health spending for lower-income nations has dropped to just $38.4 billion (€32.8 billion) in 2025, down from a record $80.3 billion (€68.6 billion) in 2021.

This alarming trend has been exacerbated by significant cuts from major donors. The United States, traditionally the world’s top health funder, plans to slash its foreign assistance by an unprecedented 67 percent this year compared to 2024, according to estimates. Such reductions in aid could jeopardize hard-won progress against critical diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis, while also impacting access to pregnancy services and child healthcare.

The report highlights that global health funding was already declining post-COVID-19 pandemic but has now reached a critical low. Under current trends, researchers project a further 8 percent decline to approximately $36 billion (€30.8 billion) by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to bear the brunt of these cuts, with funding anticipated to drop 25 percent since last year, and an additional 7 percent decrease forecasted over the next five years.

Dr. Angela Apeagyei, the lead author of the IHME study, warned,

“The drastic and abrupt reduction to global health aid could compromise the progress in health that has been achieved globally.”

In addition to the US, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France have also made significant reductions this year. The UK and Germany are redirecting funds to defense, while France has expressed concerns about the effectiveness of its health spending.

While some countries like Australia, Japan, and South Korea have slightly increased their health budgets, aid from nations such as Canada, China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains stagnant. However, researchers argue that these modest increases will not be sufficient to offset the substantial cuts from larger donors.

The implications of these funding reductions are profound. Vulnerable populations in lower-income countries may face deteriorating health outcomes, with reduced access to services that support maternal and child health, as well as critical public health initiatives. The decline in health funding could also worsen conditions related to water safety and food security, further exacerbating existing challenges.

As the global community grapples with these urgent issues, the call for immediate action and increased funding could not be more critical. Stakeholders and advocates are now urging governments to reconsider their priorities and ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive the support they desperately need.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing situation as global health advocates push for urgent action.

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Donegal Councillor Urges Urgent Action for Endometriosis Care

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UPDATE: A Donegal County Councillor is urgently calling for a state-of-the-art endometriosis care center as thousands of women across Ireland struggle with inadequate treatment. Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman, who has battled endometriosis since her teens, highlighted the pressing need for improved healthcare access during a heated debate in the Dáil on October 16, 2023.

This urgent motion, spearheaded by Sinn Féin, is set for a pivotal vote today. Cllr Nic Mheanman emphasized that no woman should have to “fight for her own healthcare,” a sentiment echoed by the alarming statistics revealed in recent surveys.

According to Sinn Féin, over 1,420 responses were collected in an online survey, with 95% of participants reporting missed education or work commitments due to debilitating symptoms. Shockingly, 58% of respondents have suffered for more than 10 years, and nearly half waited over 12 months for a consultation with a gynecologist.

Cllr Nic Mheanman stated, “Endometriosis care in Ireland has failed thousands of women. No one should be forced to fight to be believed, diagnosed, and treated.” This urgent plea underscores a wider systemic failure in women’s healthcare, where it takes an average of nine years to receive a formal diagnosis, leading to severe physical and emotional repercussions.

During the Dáil session, Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty shared a harrowing account of a local woman who endured a nine-year struggle to receive a diagnosis, facing constant dismissal and misdiagnosis. “We need to start listening and believing our sisters, mothers, aunties, nieces, and daughters,” he urged. The emphasis on prioritizing women’s health is now more crucial than ever.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill acknowledged the importance of the discussion, advocating for a different approach that establishes regional centers for endometriosis care. “What I am interested in is service delivery and the quickest possible way of ameliorating the sheer lack of service delivery for women’s health,” she stated.

Cllr Nic Mheanman concluded with a powerful message of solidarity: “Sinn Féin will fight with you and for you. We will keep this campaign going until you have the treatment, services, and healthcare you deserve here in this country.”

The outcome of today’s vote could mark a significant turning point in the fight for better endometriosis care in Ireland. The urgency of this issue resonates deeply with countless women who have been waiting too long for the care they need.

Stay tuned for updates as the vote unfolds, and join the conversation on social media to raise awareness about endometriosis care and the urgent need for change.

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Galway Player Scores €625,081 in EuroMillions Windfall!

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BREAKING: A lucky EuroMillions player in Galway is celebrating an incredible win of €625,081 following Tuesday night’s draw on July 15, 2023. This remarkable victory comes as the player matched five numbers along with one Lucky Star, marking a significant boost to their midweek routine.

The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased at Eurospar in Carraroe, Co. Galway on the very day of the draw. This store has a history of big wins, having also sold a €7 million Lotto jackpot ticket last November, making it a local hotspot for fortune.

In addition to the Galway win, another Irish player from Louth matched five numbers to take home €14,609. That winning ticket was bought at Dunnes Stores in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

The winning numbers for last night’s EuroMillions draw were: 24, 38, 41, 45, 49, with the Lucky Stars being 1 and 6. While there was no jackpot winner for the whopping €96,858,365 EuroMillions jackpot, over 40,000 players in Ireland still walked away with prizes, including these two fortunate winners.

Emma Monaghan, spokesperson for the National Lottery, expressed excitement over the wins, stating,

“What fantastic news to wake up to – another substantial win for two Irish EuroMillions players! Huge congratulations to our winners in Galway and Louth.”

Monaghan encouraged all players to check their tickets closely, noting,

“You could be holding a winning ticket!”

This latest development adds to the growing excitement around EuroMillions in Ireland, demonstrating that luck is still very much alive. Players across the nation are urged to seize the moment and verify their tickets, as fortunes could change with just one draw.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the reactions and celebrations from the winners, and the impact of these significant prizes on their lives. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next big win!

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Tributes Surge for Donegal Man Repatriated from California Today

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UPDATE: Tributes are pouring in today for Damien O’Brien, a 35-year-old man from Donegal, who tragically passed away after being struck by a car in Huntington Beach, California. O’Brien died on July 6, 2025, while walking home from a night out with friends. His repatriation is occurring today, and community members are expressing their profound sorrow.

The Red Hughes GAA Club, where O’Brien previously played, has shared heartfelt condolences, highlighting the loss felt within the local community. “Damien was beloved by many, and his spirit will be missed deeply,” the club stated in a recent announcement.

O’Brien’s funeral services are scheduled for Friday, following a Requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Church in Killygordon. This tragic incident has sparked an outpouring of support and remembrance from friends, family, and local organizations. Mourners are encouraged to pay their respects as the community comes together to honor his memory.

The circumstances surrounding O’Brien’s death have raised concerns about pedestrian safety in California, drawing attention to the risks faced by individuals walking at night. His passing serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of sudden tragedy on families and communities.

As tributes continue to flow, many are sharing their memories of O’Brien online, creating a collective moment of reflection and grief. The community’s response underscores the strong connections that exist among residents, particularly in times of loss.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and remember to reach out to loved ones during this challenging time.

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Fyre Festival Fraudster Billy McFarland Sells Brand for $245K

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URGENT UPDATE: Convicted fraudster Billy McFarland has just sold the intellectual property of the infamous Fyre Festival on eBay for $245,300 (approximately €211,135). This sale comes as McFarland continues to grapple with an outstanding restitution order of $26 million related to his 2018 conviction for wire fraud.

The auction, which concluded recently, drew intense interest with 175 bids, but the final price has left McFarland visibly disappointed. During a livestream, he lamented, “Damn. This sucks, it’s so low.” Despite the lackluster result, McFarland is framing the event as a stepping stone, stating on social media that “Fyre Festival is just one chapter of my story.”

The identity of the buyer remains unknown, but the sale includes vital assets like trademarks and social media accounts connected to the Fyre brand. McFarland claims the auction became the most-watched non-charity listing on eBay, further emphasizing his belief that “attention is currency.”

Authorities report that this sale will barely impact his financial obligations. McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison after the disastrous 2017 Fyre Festival, which was marketed as a luxury music festival but ended in chaos, with guests facing inadequate accommodations and substandard food. Many influencers, including Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, were involved in promoting the event, which falsely advertised its location on a private island previously owned by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.

The aftermath of the failed festival led to numerous lawsuits and an investigation by the FBI. The ordeal was captured in popular documentaries, including Netflix‘s “FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” and Hulu‘s “Fyre Fraud.” McFarland has attempted to relaunch the festival multiple times, including a failed attempt at Fyre Fest II, which was slated for a tropical island off Cancún, Mexico but only secured permits for a limited event.

Now, with the rights to the Fyre brand sold, McFarland is pivoting to a new venture—a tech platform aimed at capturing the value of online views. However, skepticism lingers over whether this latest endeavor will succeed, given McFarland’s troubled history.

As developments continue to unfold, the global community watches closely. Can McFarland truly turn his brand around, or will he face further setbacks? Stay tuned as more details emerge around this controversial figure and his next moves.

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